Accountant in Sumter, SC

As a career analyst who’s watched Sumter’s economy evolve from a textile and military hub to a more diversified regional center, I can tell you that accounting here is a stable, if not booming, profession. It’s a city where the cost of living is your biggest asset, but the job market demands local connections and patience. This guide isn’t about selling you on Sumter; it’s about laying out the data and the local reality so you can make an informed decision.

The Salary Picture: Where Sumter Stands

Let’s start with the numbers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local market data, the median salary for an accountant in Sumter is $82,516/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $39.67/hour. Compared to the national average of $86,080/year, Sumter sits slightly below the U.S. mean. However, when you factor in the city’s Cost of Living Index of 86.2 (where the U.S. average is 100), that $82,516 salary in Sumter has the purchasing power of roughly $95,700 nationally.

The metro area, with a population of 43,065, supports a modest 86 accounting jobs. The 10-year job growth projection is 4%, which is slower than the national average but indicates steady, predictable demand rather than explosive growth. This is a market for those who value stability over high-stakes, high-turnover environments.

Here’s a realistic breakdown of salary progression based on experience in the Sumter market:

Experience Level	Typical Title	Estimated Annual Salary Range (Sumter)
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	Staff Accountant, Bookkeeper	$55,000 - $68,000
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	Senior Accountant, Tax Specialist	$70,000 - $88,000
Senior (8-15 years)	Accounting Manager, Controller	$85,000 - $110,000
Expert/Partner (15+ years)	Firm Partner, CFO	$100,000 - $140,000+ (often with bonuses)

Insider Tip: The jump from mid-level to senior is where you see the most significant pay increase in Sumter. At the senior level, you’re often managing teams or overseeing critical functions for local businesses, which commands a premium. Salaries above $110,000 typically require a CPA credential and specialization in areas like healthcare or government contracting.

Comparison to Other SC Cities:

• Columbia: Higher salaries (median ~$90,000) but a Cost of Living Index of 95.2. More corporate and government jobs.
• Charleston: Significantly higher pay (median ~$95,000) but a much higher COL (112.0). More specialized and high-volume accounting roles.
• Greenville-Spartanburg: Similar salaries to Sumter but with more manufacturing and corporate HQ jobs. Slightly higher COL (98.5).

Sumter offers a middle ground—a lower cost of living than the upstate or coast, with salaries that stretch further, but with fewer high-paying corporate opportunities.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

An accountant earning the median salary of $82,516 needs to understand the local financial reality. Let’s break down a monthly budget.

Assumptions:

• Gross Monthly Pay: $82,516 / 12 = $6,876
• Taxes (Est. 25% effective rate): ~$1,720 (Federal, FICA, SC State Tax)
• Net Monthly Pay: ~$5,156
• Average 1BR Rent: $933/month (Sumter average, per Numbeo and local listings)

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Net Pay	$5,156	After taxes
Rent (1BR)	$933	Varies by neighborhood (see below)
Utilities	$180	Electric, water, internet, trash
Car Payment/Insurance	$450	Essential in Sumter; limited public transit
Health Insurance	$250	Typical employer-sponsored premium
Groceries	$400	Sumter has reasonable grocery costs
Misc. (Entertainment, Dining)	$500	Modest social life
Savings/Retirement (10%)	$515	Recommended minimum
Remaining Buffer	$1,928	For debt, family, or aggressive savings

Can they afford to buy a home? Yes, absolutely. The median home price in Sumter County is approximately $185,000. With a $82,516 salary, a 20% down payment ($37,000) is challenging but achievable with savings over 2-3 years. A standard 30-year mortgage at 6.5% on a $185,000 home with 10% down would be roughly $1,050/month (including taxes and insurance). This is only about $117 more than the average rent. However, most homebuyers in Sumter put down less than 10%, making the monthly payment more comparable to rent.

Insider Tip: Many local accountants live in nearby suburbs like Dalzell or Rembert for more land and lower property taxes, but you must factor in a 20-30 minute commute to downtown Sumter.

Where the Jobs Are: Sumter's Major Employers

Sumter’s job market is anchored by a few key sectors: healthcare, education, manufacturing, and government. Accounting roles are concentrated in these institutions.

1. Prisma Health Tuomey Hospital: The largest employer in the region. They hire staff accountants, revenue cycle specialists, and financial analysts. Hiring is steady but competitive; they often prefer candidates with healthcare accounting experience or a CPA.
2. Sumter School District: A major public sector employer. They need accountants for budgeting, grant management, and payroll. State benefits are excellent, but salaries are typically at the lower end of the mid-range (often $65,000 - $80,000).
3. SCANA (Dominion Energy): While no longer headquartered in Sumter, their regional operations and legacy systems require local accounting support. Roles here are more specialized in utility accounting and regulatory compliance.
4. Local Government (City & County of Sumter): The City of Sumter and Sumter County governments employ accountants for internal audits, procurement, and grant administration. These are stable, pension-eligible positions that are highly coveted.
5. Manufacturing Firms (e.g., JPS Industries, Continental): Sumter has a modest but resilient manufacturing base. These companies need cost accountants and plant controllers. Experience with inventory accounting and cost variance analysis is key here.
6. Regional Public Accounting Firms: Smaller firms like Bishop & Associates or Hicks & Company handle local small business and individual tax work. They are the primary source of entry-level and junior accounting jobs and offer a clear path to partnership for those who stay long-term.
7. Fort Jackson (Nearby): While technically in Columbia, the military base is a 45-minute drive and a huge source of federal contracting jobs. Accountants with security clearances or experience with federal procurement can find high-paying roles with contractors based in Sumter that service the base.

Hiring Trends: Public sector and healthcare jobs are the most consistent. Private sector roles in manufacturing can be cyclical. The best way to find a job is through local networking (Sumter Chamber of Commerce events) and direct applications to these employers’ career pages, as many smaller firms don’t use large job boards.

Getting Licensed in SC

To practice as a CPA in South Carolina, you must be licensed by the South Carolina Board of Accountancy (SCBOA). The process is straightforward but requires time and investment.

Requirements:

1. Education: 150 semester hours of college credit, including a bachelor’s degree and 30 hours of upper-level accounting courses. A master’s in accounting (from a school like USC Sumter) is a common path to meet this.
2. Uniform CPA Exam: Pass all four sections (FAR, AUD, BEC, REG). You can sit for the exam in South Carolina once you’ve completed 120 hours and met the education requirements.
3. Experience: One year (1,800 hours) of accounting experience under a licensed CPA. This must be in public accounting, industry, government, or academia.
4. Ethics Exam: Pass the South Carolina-specific ethics exam.

Costs & Timeline:

• Exam Fees (NASBA): ~$1,500 total for all four sections.
• Application & Licensing Fees (SCBOA): ~$300 for initial application, plus $200 annual renewal.
• Study Materials: $1,500 - $3,000 (Becker, Wiley, etc.).
• Timeline: From starting the 150-hour requirement to getting your license, expect 2.5 - 4 years. If you already have the education, the process is about 18 months (exam + experience).

Insider Tip: Sumter’s local firms are often willing to hire candidates who are "CPA exam eligible" (i.e., have 150 hours but are still sitting for exams). They will sponsor your exam fees in exchange for a commitment to stay for 1-2 years after licensure.

Best Neighborhoods for Accountants

Where you live in Sumter drastically affects your commute and lifestyle. The city is spread out, and car ownership is non-negotiable.

1. Downtown Sumter: The historic heart, near the Swan Lake Iris Gardens and the Sumter County Gallery of Art. Walkable to some restaurants and the county offices. Mostly older homes and some new loft-style apartments. Rent (1BR): $1,000 - $1,300. Commute: 5-10 minutes to most employers.
2. South Sumter (near Shaw AFB): A more residential area with newer subdivisions. Popular with military families and young professionals. Good access to US-76 and I-95. Rent (1BR): $850 - $1,100. Commute: 10-15 minutes to downtown.
3. Oakland/DeKalb Street Area: A quiet, established neighborhood with mid-century homes and large yards. Very affordable, a bit further from the core. Rent (1BR): $750 - $950. Commute: 15-20 minutes to downtown.
4. Dalzell (Suburb): Technically outside Sumter city limits, offering more space and lower property taxes. Popular with families. A true "bedroom community." Rent (1BR): $700 - $900 (fewer apartments, more houses). Commute: 20-30 minutes to downtown.
5. Dalzell/Rembert (I-95 Corridor): A mix of older and new homes along the highway. Easy access to Columbia for weekend trips. Rent (1BR): $800 - $1,000. Commute: 20-25 minutes to downtown, 45 minutes to Columbia.

Insider Tip: For a single accountant, Downtown Sumter or South Sumter offer the best balance of short commute and social opportunities. For those looking to buy a home and start a family, Dalzell is the go-to, but be prepared for a longer, traffic-free commute.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Growth in Sumter is more about depth than breadth. You won’t find Fortune 500 CFO roles here, but you can build a respected, high-income career.

Specialty Premiums:

• Healthcare Accounting (Prisma Health): +5-10% premium over general industry roles.
• Government/Non-Profit Accounting: Stable but salaries are often capped by public pay scales. The premium is in benefits and job security.
• Tax Specialization (Local Firms): Small firm partners can earn $120,000+ by building a loyal client base of local small businesses and individuals.
• Cost Accounting (Manufacturing): A niche skill in Sumter. Experienced cost accountants are in demand and can command competitive salaries.

Advancement Paths:

1. Public Accounting Track: Staff Accountant → Senior → Manager → Partner. This is the most common path at local firms like Bishop & Associates.
2. Corporate/Industry Track: Staff Accountant → Senior Accountant → Accounting Manager → Controller (often at a local manufacturing or healthcare entity). The Controller role is the pinnacle of the local industry track, with salaries reaching $100,000 - $130,000.
3. Government/Non-Profit Track: Accountant → Senior Accountant → Finance Director. The Finance Director for the City or County can earn over $110,000.

10-Year Outlook (4% Growth): The growth will be in supporting the aging population (healthcare) and local small businesses. Technology (automation of bookkeeping) will reduce entry-level jobs but increase demand for accountants who can analyze data and provide strategic advice. The CPA credential will become even more critical for advancement. The key to long-term success will be developing a niche (e.g., healthcare revenue cycle, small business advisory) and building a strong local network.

The Verdict: Is Sumter Right for You?

Sumter is not for everyone. It’s a pragmatic choice for an accountant who values a low cost of living, job stability, and a slower pace of life over high-frequency career moves and a bustling urban environment.

Pros	Cons
Extremely low cost of living (COL index 86.2)	Limited job market (86 total jobs)
Salary stretches far – homeownership is very attainable	Slow job growth (4% over 10 years)
Stable employers (hospital, school district, government)	Fewer high-paying corporate roles
Short commutes (most under 20 minutes)	Limited cultural/entertainment amenities
Tight-knit professional community	Reliance on personal networking for jobs
Access to nature and outdoor recreation	Car-dependent city

Final Recommendation:
Sumter is an excellent fit for:

• A mid-career accountant (5-10 years of experience) seeking to lower their cost of living, buy a home, and transition to a more stable role.
• A CPA looking to open a small practice or join a local firm with a clear path to partnership.
• An accountant with family ties to the region or a desire for a quiet, family-friendly environment.

It is a poor fit for:

• A new graduate seeking rapid career advancement and a dynamic job market.
• An accountant specializing in cutting-edge fields (e.g., fintech, international tax) that don’t exist in the local economy.
• Someone who requires a vibrant nightlife, diverse dining, or major league sports as part of their lifestyle.

FAQs

1. Is a CPA license required to get a good accounting job in Sumter?
No, but it’s a major advantage. You can get a staff or senior accountant role with a bachelor’s degree and some experience. However, to move into management (Controller, Finance Director) or to become a partner at a public accounting firm, a CPA is almost always required.

2. How do I find a job as an accountant in Sumter if I’m not from there?
Start with the major employers listed above (Prisma Health, Sumter School District, City/County). Check their career pages directly. Also, join the South Carolina Association of Accountants (SCAA) and attend local chapter meetings. Many jobs are filled through referrals before they’re ever posted.

3. What’s the market like for bookkeepers vs. CPAs?
Bookkeepers are needed for small businesses, but the market is more competitive with lower pay ($40,000 - $55,000). CPAs have a much higher ceiling and more job security, especially in healthcare and government. The demand is for oversight and analysis, not just data entry.

4. Can I commute from Columbia to Sumter for an accounting job?
Yes, it’s a common 45-60 minute drive on I-77 and US-76. However, you won’t see a significant salary bump to offset the commute costs (gas, wear-and-tear). Most accountants in Sumter choose to live locally to maximize their cost-of-living advantage.

5. What’s the biggest misconception about being an accountant in Sumter?
That it’s all about tax season and small businesses. While tax work is a big part of the local firms, the largest employers are healthcare and government, which offer year-round, stable roles in budgeting, auditing, and financial reporting. The work is more diverse than outsiders often assume.